Two people have tragically lost their lives following a serious crash between a lorry and a car on the A1 on the outskirts of Newry earlier today (Friday).
A man aged in his 80’s and a woman aged in her 40’s – both understood to be travelling in a car – died in the crash, a PSNI spokesperson confirmed.
The man died at the scene and a woman a short time later in hospital.
The crash involved a lorry, a silver Skoda Fabia, and a bronze coloured Ford Focus.
It happened at around 2.45pm on the north bound carriageway at the Moneymore Road Junction.
Police have closed the road in both directions between Rathfriland turn off and Donaghmore Road near Dromantine after the collision between a car and a lorry.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said it received a 999 call shortly after 2.30pm on Friday following reports of a two vehicle collision.
NIAS despatched a rapid response paramedic, two emergency crews, 1 non-emergency crew and a BASICS doctor to the scene. The charity air ambulance was also tasked to the incident.
Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, one patient was taken by ambulance to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast and another to Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry.
The patient at Daisy Hill Hospital is in a stable condition. Belfast Health Trust did not give an update on the condition of the patient at Royal Victoria Hospital.
Delays are expected on many roads, with diversions in place, so motorists are advised to avoid the A1 tonight.
Officers from the Collision Investigation Unit are asking that anyone with information or who may have dash-cam footage of the incidence should contact them on 101 quoting reference 731 12/10/18.
Newry and Armagh DUP Assemblyman William Irwin offered his condolences after the tragedy.
He said: “This is a very sad and terrible ordeal where two local people have lost their lives on our roads.
“I offer my deepest sympathy and prayers to the families who have been plunged into grief following this fatal collision.
“Our roads continue to claim lives with frightening regularity and this awful incident follows only hours after a young motorcyclist was killed at the Dobbin Road close to Portadown.”
